Arthur DiGeronimo leaves legacy of love

W hen a pillar of the community passes away, his death ripples throughout the city. Such is the case with the passing of Arthur DiGeronimo.

Mr. DiGeronimo died on Wednesday, July 29, at the age of 83. He was laid to rest on Monday, Aug. 3.

His legacy is more than co-ownership of the former Victory Supermarket chain, according to his son, Arthur "Jay" DiGeronimo.

"First I have to say he was my best friend. It is very unusual for a family as large as we are to have worked with him every single day," Jay began.

Jay became involved in the grocery business in 1978, and spent countless hours with his father, both at work and at family gatherings, which were many.

"He made it all wonderfully easy for all of us," he said. Jay, one of the six children, said his two sisters, "were always the apples of my dad's eyes."

Jay recalls his father as always "vibrant."

"We went on vacations together, out to eat together, and there was always something to celebrate within our family. Weddings, first communions, baptisms, we had a full calendar and he loved every minute of it," he said.

Arthur DiGeronimo served in the Army during World War II. He was sent to fight the war in Europe barely a month after his brother, Michael DiGeronimo, was killed in the Battle of the Bulge.

"He accepted his duty and responsibilities, and took his obligations as expected. He was part of what is called the greatest generation," Jay said.

Mr. DiGeronimo's father and uncle established the Victory Market store, with the first one located on Mechanic Street in 1923. As the Victory Market business grew, Jay said his father spent a lot of time and energy "reaching out to others. He lived by the thought that to those that much is given, much is expected."

Mr. DiGeronimo would work in the front of the store bagging groceries for his loyal customers.

"He loved getting to know people; he was always warm and gracious. He was a gentleman. My mother called him a 'gentle man,'" Jay said.

When his dad would come home from work "he made it a point to play with all us kids, and all the kids in the neighborhood. We always had a full backyard, and my dad would spend time with us after a long full day."

"When the grandchildren started coming, one right of passage was when my dad thought the kids were old enough, they would get a ride on his moped. Going on the moped with grandpa was an experience that the kids loved. It's a great memory for them now," he said.

Jay said having his father living so close, as all the family does, is a rarity in this day and age.

"We all live in town; we would see each other all the time. I am going to miss that," he said.

David DiGeronimo said his father, "had a great life. He lived to be 83. We had him around for a long time, and now we are all going to miss him."

All the DiGeronimo sons, Jay, David, Michael and Steven, worked at the family run business at one time.

"We all had the great opportunity to work with our father and learn what the business was all about," Jay said. "His greatest thrill and priority was to take care of his customers and to take care of his employees. He had a wonderful full life and we are very fortunate to have been a part of it.

"We are a big Italian family, so all get-togethers involved food, and my dad enjoyed all of that."